Brilliant, flowing riding through the best that the East Midlands has on offer. No wonder its one of our favourite local routes…

■ Distance: 9¾ miles/15.7km ■ Time: 5 hours ■ Grade: Challenging

Race director Mary Pearson guides you on this rural road race around historic Northamptonshire

■ Distance: 8 ½ miles/13.5km ■ Time: 4 hours ■ Grade: Moderate

The River Crouch stretches 10nm further up river from the marina, via Fambridge, Brandy Hole and Hullbridge, to Battlesbridge – the end of the navigable part of the river. This is a lovely, sheltered

■ Distance: 5¼ miles/8.3km ■ Time: 3½ hours ■ Grade: Moderate